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March 24, 2026
柱zhù(zhu4)
The character 柱 (zhù) refers to a pillar or post that provides physical support in structures. In a broader context, it can symbolize something foundational or essential, such as support in a metaphorical sense, like a mentor or guide in one’s life.
Strokes9Radical木Frequency#11617DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, pillars are significant elements that not only support buildings but also symbolize stability and strength. They often have intricate carvings and are essential in temples and historical structures.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tall, sturdy tree (the radical 木, meaning wood) that stands strong and upright. This tree serves as a pillar in a forest, providing shelter and support to other plants and animals. The pronunciation 'zhù' sounds like 'zoo,' where animals might gather under a protective pillar-like tree.
Meanings of 柱
zhù(zhu4)
1pillar
2to lean on; pillar, post, support
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 柱
柱Simplified
9Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#11617Frequency Rank
根Measure Word
HSK 3.0L6
Podcast: 柱
Podcast: 柱
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AI Study Notes for 柱
Quick Contrast
柱 (pillar) vs 棒 (stick) — choose 柱 when referring to a structural support rather than a simple elongated object.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tall, sturdy tree (the radical 木, meaning wood) that stands strong and upright. This tree serves as a pillar in a forest, providing shelter and support to other plants and animals. The pronunciation 'zhù' sounds like 'zoo,' where animals might gather under a protective pillar-like tree.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 柱 (pillar) with similar-sounding words like 住 (zhù, to live) due to tonal differences. This word is more formal and typically used in architectural or metaphorical contexts. Be aware of its collocation with words like 支持 (zhīchí, to support) when discussing support systems.
HSK Study Tips
While 柱 is not in the HSK vocabulary list, it connects to other foundational nouns at higher levels, such as 支 (zhī, branch/support) or 基 (jī, base/foundation). Focus on its usage in compound words and phrases to enhance vocabulary related to structure and support.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, pillars are significant elements that not only support buildings but also symbolize stability and strength. They often have intricate carvings and are essential in temples and historical structures.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 柱 with the word for 'live' (住, zhù) due to similar pronunciation. Remember, 柱 specifically refers to a pillar or support structure.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 柱
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Grammar Patterns of 柱
柱 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他仍然是维系该国脆弱的政治平衡的支____。
He remains the anchor of the country's fragile political balance.
Example Sentences for 柱 (10)
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1
他仍然是维系该国脆弱的政治平衡的支柱。
tā réng rán shì wéi xì gāi guó cuì ruò de zhèng zhì píng héng de zhī zhù。
He remains the anchor of the country's fragile political balance.
Only a bit of string looped round a nail in the doorpost held it shut.
Cultural Notes for 柱
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese architecture, pillars are significant elements that not only support buildings but also symbolize stability and strength. They often have intricate carvings and are essential in temples and historical structures.
Word Family of 柱
Compounds1
嵀
Words Containing This Character20
柱zhùpillar
支柱zhīzhùmainstay
柱子zhùzipillar
脊柱spinal column
门柱doorpost門柱
圆柱column圓柱
中流砥柱mainstay
顶梁柱pillar頂梁柱
冰柱icicle
灯柱lamppost燈柱
石柱stela
光柱light beam
偷梁换柱to replace the original with a fake偷梁換柱
台柱pillar臺柱
天柱Tianzhu county in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture 黔東南州|黔东南州[Qiándōngnánzhōu], Guizhou
圆柱体cylinder (geometry)圓柱體
柱头column head柱頭
柱石pillar
花柱style (female organ of flower)
柱塞piston
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 柱 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 柱
柱 refers to a physical pillar, while 支柱 specifically means a support or backbone, often used metaphorically.
Yes, while it is more common in formal contexts, you can use it when discussing architecture or metaphorically for support.
